Pick The Right Person Trivia Quiz

Answer: Howard Carter

Howard Carter, born in 1874 in Kensington, began his career as a tracer of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. His deep interest in Egyptology prompted him to travel to Egypt around 1891, where he initially worked as an artist, crafting intricate drawings and illustrations of ancient Egyptian artifacts and archaeological sites.

Carter's dedication and persistence paid off in a momentous way. In 1922, after years of searching and facing financial challenges and political obstacles, he made the remarkable discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings near Luxor. This discovery is considered one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century and catapulted Carter to worldwide fame and secured his place in history.

Upon opening the tomb's sealed door on November 26, 1922, Carter and his team unveiled a treasure trove of over 5,000 exquisite artifacts, including the iconic golden burial mask of King Tut. This find provided unprecedented insights into ancient Egyptian culture and life.

However, despite his significant contributions to the field of Egyptology, Carter faced criticism during his career. Some scholars have criticized Carter for what they perceive as a rushed or hasty excavation of King Tut's tomb. They argue that his desire for fame and recognition may have led to inadequate documentation and preservation of the artifacts and tomb itself. Carter and his team have also been accused of not fully respecting Egyptian customs and beliefs during the excavation. For example, they removed and separated the mummy from its burial goods, which is considered disrespectful in Egyptian culture.

Carter continued to work in Egypt, but his health deteriorated in his later years. He passed away on March 2, 1939, in London.

The picture that was supposed to give you hint shows the funerary mask of Tutankhamun which is in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

Answer: Maria Gaetana Agnesi

Maria Gaetana Agnesi was an Italian mathematician who lived in the 18th century, born on May 16, 1718, in Milan. She is best known for her work in mathematics and is often regarded as one of the first female mathematicians to gain recognition for her contributions to the field.

Maria Agnesi was the eldest of 21 siblings in her family. Her father, Pietro Agnesi, was a wealthy silk merchant who recognized her talents at an early age. He ensured that she received an excellent education, which was unusual for girls at the time. She had a deep interest in mathematics and languages. She mastered seven languages, including Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and French. Her most significant work, "Instituzioni analitiche ad uso della gioventù italiana" ("Analytical Institutions for the Use of Italian Youth"), was published in 1748. It was a comprehensive two-volume mathematical treatise covering a wide range of topics in calculus and algebra.

Agnesi's work in calculus included discussions on differential equations and curve analysis. She is most famous for the curve known as the "Witch of Agnesi", which is a cubic curve studied in analytical geometry. Her mathematical talents gained recognition throughout Europe, and in 1750 Pope Benedict XIV appointed her to the chair of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy at Bologna University.

Later in life, Agnesi devoted herself to charity and religious activities. She became known for her philanthropic efforts, providing assistance to the poor and the sick. Agnesi is also remembered for breaking barriers as a woman in the field of mathematics during a time when women's contributions were often overlooked.

Maria Gaetana Agnesi passed away on January 9, 1799, in Milan. The picture shows Agnesi's diploma from the Università di Bologna.

Answer: Sergei Prokofiev

Sergei Prokofiev was a Russian composer, pianist, and conductor born on April 23, 1891, in Sontsovka, Ukraine, and he passed away on March 5, 1953, in Moscow. He was a highly influential figure in 20th-century music and is known for his diverse body of work, which includes orchestral compositions, operas, ballets, piano sonatas, and chamber music.

Prokofiev displayed musical talent from a very young age and began composing music at the age of five. He attended the St. Petersburg Conservatory, where he studied composition and piano. Prokofiev's music is characterized by its distinctive style, blending neoclassical elements with modernist approaches. His compositions often feature sharp rhythms, colorful harmonies, and a sense of irony.

Some of his most famous works include the ballet "Romeo and Juliet", the opera "War and Peace", but the specific composition from 1936 that gained widespread recognition for its unique storytelling through music is "Peter and the Wolf" (in Russian "Ïåòÿ è âîëê" or "Petya i volk"). This composition is a symphonic fairy tale for children that features a narrator and an orchestra. Prokofiev created this work with the aim of introducing young audiences to the instruments of the orchestra and classical music in an engaging and accessible way. In "Peter and the Wolf", each character in the story is represented by a different instrument or group of instruments, making it easy for listeners, especially children, to follow the narrative through the music. The narrator tells the story while the orchestra provides the musical accompaniment, with each character having its own musical theme.

Sergei Prokofiev died on March 5, 1953 of a cerebral hemorrhage. His death occurred on the same day as the death of Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union at the time. Prokofiev's passing was largely overshadowed by the news of Stalin's death.

The picture showing a wolf is a reference to Prokofiev's main opus.

Answer: Sirimavo Bandaranaike

Sirimavo Bandaranaike was born on April 17, 1916, in Ratnapura, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), into a politically active family. She was the widow of Solomon Bandaranaike, who had served as the Prime Minister and was assassinated in 1959.

After her husband's death she entered politics, and her leadership soon gained popularity. In 1960, she led the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to victory in the general elections and assumed the role of Prime Minister, making her not only the first female head of government in Sri Lanka but also the first female prime minister in the world. She served as Prime Minister during multiple terms, with her first term from 1960 to 1965 marked by a coup attempt in 1963. She also held office from 1970 to 1977 and later returned for a third term from 1994 to 2000.

During her political career, Bandaranaike implemented a range of policies, including the nationalization of several key industries and the introduction of land reforms. Her leadership was marked by efforts to strengthen the nation's ties with non-aligned countries and her commitment to the principles of non-alignment during the Cold War era.

Sirimavo Bandaranaike died of a heart attack in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on October 10, 2000. The picture depicts the Sri Lanka flag on a wall.

Answer: Manuela Sáenz

Manuela Sáenz, born on December 27, 1797, in Quito, New Granada (present-day Ecuador), was a significant figure in South American history. She is best known for her close association with Simón Bolívar, the legendary military and political leader who played a pivotal role in the Latin American wars of independence from Spanish colonial rule.

Sáenz became deeply involved in South America's struggle for independence from Spain and eventually met Bolívar in 1822 in Quito. Sáenz became not only Bolívar's lover but also a trusted confidante and aide, providing support for his military campaigns. She is known to have participated in battles, relayed messages, and even played a role in saving Bolívar's life on at least one occasion.
Her contributions extended beyond the battlefield. Sáenz was an advocate for women's rights and was involved in political discussions of the time. She was a strong supporter of Bolívar's vision for a united South America, known as Gran Colombia, and his efforts to establish democratic governments in the newly independent nations.

When Bolívar's dream of a united South America began to unravel, Manuela Sáenz's political influence waned. Bolívar's rule faced opposition, and he was eventually exiled from various South American countries. Sáenz, too, faced exile and had a turbulent life in the years following Bolívar's fall from power.

Manuela Sáenz passed away on November 23, 1856, in Paita, Peru. Her contributions to the struggle for independence and her role as a powerful and independent woman in a male-dominated era have earned her a place of honor in the history of South America's fight for freedom.

The picture shows an idealized portrait of Manuela Sáenz made c. 1960 by Marco Salas Yepes.

Answer: Otis Redding

Otis Redding was born on September 9, 1941, in Dawson, Georgia, USA. He grew up in Macon in a predominantly African American community. From a young age, Redding showed a keen interest in music, and he began singing in the choir at his local church. In his teenage years, Redding joined a gospel group called the "Dixie Nightingales" and performed in churches and at local events. His powerful and soulful voice quickly became evident, drawing the attention of those around him.

Redding's first professional break came when he joined "Johnny Jenkins and the Pinetoppers" as a vocalist and driver. During a recording session in 1962, Redding had the opportunity to step in as a vocalist when Jenkins was indisposed. This session resulted in Redding's first single, "These Arms of Mine," which was released by Stax Records.

He continued to release a series of successful singles and albums throughout the early 1960s. Some of his songs include classics like "Try a Little Tenderness", "Sittin' On The Dock of the Bay" or "I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)". Notably, his music also had a significant impact on fellow artists in the industry. Aretha Franklin recorded a cover of Redding's song "Respect" in 1967. Her rendition became a massive hit and is considered one of her signature songs. This cover further solidified Redding's influence on the soul music scene.

Tragically, Otis Redding's life was cut short when he died in a plane crash in 1967 at the age of 26. The picture is supposed to remind you of the song "Sittin' On The Dock of the Bay" which refers to the "Frisco Bay".

Answer: Lupita Nyong'o

Lupita Amondi Nyong'o is a Kenyan-Mexican actress born on March 1, 1983, in Mexico City. She is of Kenyan and Mexican heritage. Her family moved back to Kenya when she was a child, and she grew up in Nairobi.

Lupita Nyong'o pursued her education in the United States, attending Hampshire College in Massachusetts, where she earned a bachelor's degree in film and theater studies. Later, she attended the Yale School of Drama, where she obtained a master's degree in acting.

She gained international acclaim for her role as Patsey, an enslaved woman, in the biographical drama film "12 Years a Slave" directed by Steve McQueen. Her powerful performance earned her numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. This made her the first Kenyan and Mexican actress to win an Oscar.

In addition to her acting career, Lupita is known for her advocacy work. She has been a vocal advocate for diversity and representation in the entertainment industry. Lupita has also supported various charitable causes, including organizations focused on women's rights and children's education.

The picture shows a commemorative plaque about Solomon Northup, whose story is told in the film "12 Years a Slave" (2013).

Answer: J.R.R. Tolkien

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, commonly known as J.R.R. Tolkien, was a British writer, philologist, and professor at Oxford University. He is best known for his groundbreaking contributions to the fantasy genre. Tolkien's magnum opus, "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, along with its prequel "The Hobbit", are celebrated worldwide for their intricate world-building, compelling characters, and rich storytelling. These works introduced readers to the enchanting realms of Middle Earth, populated by hobbits, elves, dwarves, and various other fantastical creatures. Tolkien's profound linguistic expertise, including the creation of languages like Elvish, added depth and authenticity to his fictional world. His impact on literature and fantasy culture is immeasurable, making him one of the most influential authors of the 20th century.

Tolkien was born on January 3, 1892, in Bloemfontein, South Africa, but spent most of his childhood in England after his family returned when he was three years old. He attended Exeter College in Oxford, where he studied Classics and English language and literature. Tolkien pursued an academic career and became a professor of Anglo Saxon at Oxford University. He later held the position of the Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon and was a recognized philologist.

Tolkien passed away on September 2, 1973, in Bournemouth, England. The picture depicts Gollum, a fictional character in both "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

Answer: Nick Cave

Nick Cave, born on September 22, 1957, in Warracknabeal, Victoria, Australia, is a renowned musician, songwriter, and author. He gained prominence as the frontman of the band "Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds", which he co-founded in 1983. Known for his distinctive baritone voice and emotionally charged lyrics, Cave's music transcends various genres, including post-punk, alternative rock, and experimental.

Over the years, Nick Cave has released numerous albums with the Bad Seeds, each showcasing his talent for storytelling and exploring dark, complex themes. Some of their well-known albums include "Let Love In", "The Boatman's Call", and "Push the Sky Away".

Aside from his music career, Cave has also ventured into literature and screenwriting. He authored several novels, including "And the Ass Saw the Angel" and "The Death of Bunny Munro." His work often delves into themes of love, death, and the human condition.

Tragically, Nick Cave and his wife, Susie Bick, experienced the devastating loss of their teenage son, Arthur Cave, in July 2015. Arthur, who was 15 years old at the time, fell from a cliff in Brighton, England, and succumbed to his injuries.

The picture depicts bad seeds, pumpkin seeds to be precise.

Answer: George Sand

George Sand, born Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin, was a prominent French novelist and memoirist of the 19th century. She was born on July 1, 1804, in Paris, and died on June 8, 1876, in Nohant-Vic, France. George Sand was a prolific writer known for her novels, essays, and plays. She gained recognition for challenging the societal norms of her time, often adopting a male pseudonym to publish her works. Her notable novels include "Indiana" (1832) and "Lélia" (1833), which explored themes of gender, love, and freedom. Her literary contributions and her progressive views on women's rights and social issues have solidified her legacy as one of the most important female authors of the 19th century.

She had a turbulent personal life and was famously romantically linked with composer Frédéric Chopin. George Sand suffered from various health problems during her lifetime, including respiratory issues and rheumatism. She often sought refuge in the countryside to alleviate her health concerns, which also influenced her writing and love for nature. In 1838, she traveled to Majorca in hopes of improving her health. She, along with Frédéric Chopin and her children, spent a winter on the island.

In her later years, George Sand continued to be an influential figure in French literature and society. She maintained her commitment to social justice and continued to write novels and essays. However, as she grew older, her popularity began to wane, and some of her later works received mixed reviews. Despite this, she remained a symbol of women's emancipation and creative freedom. George Sand passed away on June 8, 1876.

The picture shows the cover of Sand's novel, "Indiana" (1832).